Where to Get the Best Information

 The Cooperative Extension Service of University of Hawai`i at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) is an excellent source of factual, scientifically based information for commercial growers and homeowners alike.  In Hilo, CTAHR is located at 875 Komohana Street, their phone number is (808)981-5199.  They have both free and priced publications on subjects from Abiu to Zucchini and from Anthurium to Ulu.   Check out their excellent website at www.ctahr.hawaii.edu 

The Extension Office in Kona is in Kainaliu at 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway; and in Kamuela at 67-5189 Kamamalu Street across from Church row.  In addition, O`ahu, Maui and Kauai have Extension Offices.

Search the web for University Cooperative Extension Offices in your state. Often times a University Master Garden Program is located at the Extension Office. Master Gardeners have a wealth of knowledge for backyard gardeners. In Hilo, call them at (808) 981-5199, Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9 AM till noon. You might also want to inquire about how you can become a Master Gardener. 

Growing Your Own Tea

Whether oolong, green or black, teas are all made from the same plant, Camellia sinensis.  It is the processing that makes the difference: withering, fermenting, heating and drying. The fermentation combines various oxidation and enzyme reactions which contribute to the teas unique flavors.  The least processed teas, like some of the Chinese and Japanese green teas, are the un-oxidized teas. The partially oxidized teas include the paochong and oolong teas.  An example of fully oxidized tea is the familiar black tea or English tea.

Anyone who enjoys a good spot of tea should try growing and processing their own.  Even with a small yard, one or two plants will do nicely.  The processing can be a bit time consuming, but even if you choose some short cuts, you can still enjoy a nice, mellow cup of green tea.

Hawaiian grown tea has come a long way since its introduction in 1887.  Since then, a number of business adventures had begun but were eventually abandoned for economic reasons.  In 1997 renewed interest in tea culture began on the Big Island with the development of a novel small-scale processing technique developed by USDA horticulturist  Dr. Francis Zee.  In 2002, the Hawai`i Tea Society was founded by tea growers and enthusiasts alike and offers educational programs in tea culture. 

Backyard enthusiasts can purchase tea plants at most local nurseries.  The tea plant, Camilia sinensis, is a close relative to the ornamental camilias, Camillia japonica and C.sasanqua. The ornamentals are generally 4-6 ft. tall shrubs.  Tea plants are usually pruned to about 4 ft high but can grow as tall as 40 feet.  Tea plants like acidic soils that are well drained.  They also like full sun yet can thrive in foggy environments.   Although tea plants have a natural resistance to many pests, the Chinese rose beetle along with various mites and scale insects may still be a bother. 

The Cooperative Extension Service has a number of excellent publications on growing tea including Guide to Insect and Mite Pests of Tea in Hawai’i and Small-scale Tea Growing and Processing in Hawai`i. If you wish to contact the Hawai`i Tea Society, their website is www.Hawaiiteasociety.org. 

Banana Fertilization

 In general, banana plants need a fertilizer with high amounts of potassium (K), along with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P).  Soils vary around the Islands, some being richer than others. The University of Hawai`i recommends applying 2 lbs., three times a year of a fertilizer similar to 10-5-20 (N-P-K).  This amount is applied per mat. When referring to bananas, a group of plants is known as a mat. A properly maintained mat will have one plant in fruit, one plant half-grown and one plant just emerging from the soil.

Applying compost to the surface of the banana mat is beneficial, but most likely will not supply enough nutrients, especially nitrogen, for optimum growth.